Man dies after fight on Newark street

Google MapsA man is dead after a fight on a Newark street Friday afternoon, authorities said.

NEWARK — A man died after a fight on a North Ward street yesterday afternoon, authorities said.

Police found Freddy J. Backlon, 43, of Newark, unresponsive at about 5:30 p.m. on the 100 block of North 12th Street, the victim of an apparent assault, authorities said.

Backlon was taken to University Hospital in Newark for treatment, but died about a half-hour later, said acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and city Police Director Samuel DeMaio in a statement.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Backlon had been in a fight with another man at the location, the officials said.

The cause of death will be determined following an autopsy, they said.

The killing is being investigated by Essex County Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Task Force, which includes detectives from Newark Police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at (877) 847-7432 or (973) 621-4586.